Career Development for
Technical Staff and Scientists
Kevin Oxley FIScT CSci
Established 1948
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Formed in 1948 and granted certificate of incorporation in 1954 to
become the Institute of Science Technology (IST).
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The IST has had a long tradition in the promotion and development of
science and practice of laboratory science technology.
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We now reach out to provide individual and focused professional
support to a wide group of specialist, technical, and managerial
colleagues in a broad range of environments such as science,
engineering, industry and education.
Benefits
● Professional Body for lab technicians, technical specialists and
technical managers
● Run by technicians for technicians
● Members in UK and overseas, working in industry, education, research
and public services
● Graded membership structure related to qualifications and experience
● Post-nominal letters depending on grade of membership awarded
● Focusing on the individual and their technical skills rather than subject
/ workplace
Benefits
● Licensed by the Science Council to award entry on its Professional Registers
(RSciTech, RSci and CSci)
● Involved with national bodies and organisations concerned with technical
qualifications and other aspects of professional life, e.g. unionlearn, Sector Skills
Councils, HEaTED, UKSPA, awarding bodies, etc.
● Mentoring support network for new members
● Journal published twice a year
● Annual conference
● Special interest groups
● Gives members access to specialist advice and guidance for personal development
and technical queries
Issues for technicians?
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Moving on and up?
Getting a new job?
Getting recognition?
Worried about job security?
Improving skills?
The Swans Feet
“If people don’t know what a good job
we do, then the risk is that what we do
becomes undervalued.”
The 21st Century Technician
Collaborate on cutting edge research resulting
in co-author publications in high impact
scientific journals
Technicians carry out research in their own
right
More than 50% of UK technicians have a
degree and a significant number have a MSc or
PhD
Technicians are experts in their subject, often
presenting their research at UK and overseas
conferences
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The Government through the Department of Business
Innovation and skills and in partnership with HEFCE and the
Science Council have researched all sectors in the UK
employing technical staff and have concluded that the
weakest area is the HE sector.
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Very few technical staff can prove competency although their
work can impact on a university’s reputation both in teaching
and research.
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External funders are already asking for proof of competency
with the Research Councils, EU and eventually REF requiring
a return.
What Challenges Do
Technicians Face?
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Feeling under valued, low social status
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Higher management and those in senior positions within the University do not
know what technicians do and how vital they are to the success of the
organisation
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Professional development opportunities
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Concerns over job security
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No clear career pathway/progression
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No representation at senior management level
The changing
landscape and the
need to demonstrate
competence
Sustaining the
UK’s position for
delivering teaching
and research in a
rapidly changing
environment
The registration
system and the
need for
engagement
The Professional
Technician
Providing high
quality teaching and
research.
Working in partnership
for the benefit
of the technical
community
HE Institutions
need a highly
skilled, motivated
and respected
workforce
Professional Registration
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Registration is awarded by Licensed Bodies, through professional bodies
of the Science Council, e.g. Institute of Science & Technology.
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Professional registration captures your career development and on the job
learning alongside any formal qualifications.
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Professional registration gives you the competitive edge.
Science registers
Common Reasons Why Individuals Don’t
Think Professional Registration Is for Them
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Why change things?
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I’m too old, this is something for the young
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What’s in it for me?
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I don’t have the right qualifications so I can’t become
registered
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I can’t afford the fees
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I work in IT so it’s not relevant to me
Competency At Different Levels
RSci Tech
RSci
CSci
defined problems
complex problems
complex concepts with
self direction
Professional pathways
RSciTech
RSci
CSci
Registered
Science Technician
Registered
Scientist
Chartered
Scientist
QCF level 3
QCF level 5
QCF level 7
Advanced
Apprenticeship
A-Level, NVQ3
HND, FdSc,
some Higher
Apprenticeships
MSc, MSci, etc
CPD standards, code of conduct and competency areas are all common across the registers
Filling in the form
The application form asks you to demonstrate that you can fulfil the following
competencies:
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Application of knowledge and understanding
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Personal responsibility
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Interpersonal skills
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Professional practice
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Professional standards
What do Registrants say
I had nothing to really
show that my career had
progressed with the
experience I had gained
It is being recognised as
an expert in my field.
The IST have been
really supportive and
it is good to feel part
of a wider Technical
family!
Professional
Registration will
strengthen your hand
in the job market.
If people don’t know
what a good job we
do, then the risk is that
what we do becomes
undervalued.
Why
encourage
your team?
Why encourage your team
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Targeted career training and development
Nationally registered CV and CPD updates
Database of accredited career history
Professional recognition
Creation of a talent pool
Improve morale
Job security
Key, flexible technical support
Underpinning Knowledge
= Competency report
Competencies
Filling in the report
»Why
»What
»How
Specific examples from what you do
or have done
Cost
• Science Council Registration = £35
• IST Membership = £5-54
• Renewal cost = £25
How Registration has
Benefitted Technicians at UOS
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Gained engagement from our VC
Financed membership and registration fees
Those who gained registration asked to be champions for
registration
Set up TechNet
Included Professional Registration as an essential in job
vacancies
Proved competency in grant applications
Selling point for industrial contracts
Promotion
Race for departments to announce all staff are competent
How Registration has
Benefitted me
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Substantially increased my profile
Promotion
Career contribution award
Increased collaboration
Recognised as a leader in promoting technical values
Invited to speak about the value of technicians across the
UK
Featured in University webpages as first person to achieve
Chartered Scientist
Protect my future
Contact us
The Institute of Science & Technology
Kingfisher House
90 Rockingham Street
Sheffield S1 4EB
Tel: 0114 276 3197
Email: office@istonline.org.uk
Web: www.istonline.org.uk